Go ahead, you can say it now: "Dildo."

Feb 14, 2008

Word is in: The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans has overturned a long-standing Texas law that forbids the distribution of sex toys. The Austin American-Statesman reported today that the statute â€” which made it illegal to sell, give, lend or advertise any “obscene devises” â€” was struck down with the Lawrence v. Texas case serving as the precedent.

Although seldom enforced, the law always seemed silly, because as long as you didn’t call it a “dildo” or similar name, the toys were often sold (sometimes as, for instance, “personal vibrating massagers”).

What’s remarkable is that the state of Texas resistedÂ the lawsuit, arguing that the state had a legitimate moralÂ interest in “discouraging prurient interests in autonomous sex and the pursuit of sexual gratification unrelated to procreation.” So now they think they can ban masturbation and condoms, too?

Â Is bears noting the date on which this news reached us. Happy Valentine’s Day!